Consultant Michael Hargrove uses this exercise frequently in his training sessions: Imagine you are on a 747 flying over the ocean. Halfway through the flight the plane begins experiencing mechanical difficulties. The captain comes on the intercom and explains as calmly as he can that an engine has fallen from the plane, ripping a fuel line. The crew will continue to fly as long as possible until fuel runs low, and then they will attempt a water landing.

Hargrove asks his listeners to write down the name of the one person they would call in the next few minutes, and what they would say.

Then he asks, “So what are you waiting for? Today, make the call.”